Comprehension .....
That 2A was never about hunting was my point. That hunters today will give up ARs (as in the tyranical states like CT) because it does not affect their deer hunting was a lamentation on my part.
Clearly the education system in Merica is broken.
Lastly, the present...
You missed my point.
How many objections to gun bills today have the right to hunt as a theme instead of your last stand against tyranny as the objection to legislation?
A lot of hunters are willing to give up certain firearms as long as it doesn't affect their hunting.
101.6 million...
Not entirely, but it's not easy. An old boss I worked for is a ffl and had the stamp. He had all kinds of autos. But he took them out of state to shoot. I don't know any outside gun range in CT that allows full auto.
I'm sure I don't need it explained. People that live in these states know the game. But if you from a " free state" send to my state, you have to follow CT rules too. Or the deal goes tits up. That's my point.
You also have state laws to follow. The OP is in NJ, I'm in CT. We have some of the country's most stringent laws. You could land in trouble just following federal laws.
Hunters kinda follow a flow. It's never the same for everyone. Some skip phases , some regress. But we usually start out just wanting to be successful. Then filling limits. The trophy stage , then the grateful for the experience phase.
It matters not where you are. Enjoy the journey where...
All good advise and I agree you can never know an area too well.
In season pressure is also a key to success. On public land I use all the other hunters. Knowing how/where the elk go comes with experience. A good reason to know your area better than the competition, be it bear, wolf or man.
Checking units b4 you blow points is a great idea. Some years back I had 7 points and went to a "blue chip" unit to check on it for the next year after hunting a leftover. When they were truly leftovers.
I am soooooooo glad I didn't waste my points as I saw better and more antelope on units...